THIS SUNDAY IS INTERNATIONAL CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS DAY

For people like Krystel Keller, raising awareness for childhood cancer is part of her every day. At 6 months old, Krystel was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eyes) and by the age of two had become completely blind. Her blindness has not stopped Krystel from following her dreams and has fuelled her drive for being the best advocate for childhood cancer research she can be.

“As a childhood cancer survivor, I was one of the lucky ones,” Krystel said, now aged 22.

“In Australia, there are still three children who die from cancer every week but without research we can not find a cure and give hope to families,” Krystel Keller said.

David Jones, a long time supporter of CCIA will be the exclusive department store retailer for Gold Ribbon Month selling ribbons and pins throughout David Jones stores in February.

Professor Michelle Haber AM, Executive Director of CCIA said CCIA’s vision to save the lives of all children with cancer and eliminate their suffering can only be achieved with support from the community.

“While enormous advances in medical research have been made over the past 50 years, cancer is still the biggest cause of death from disease in children,” Professor Haber said.

“Additionally, many of the children who do survive their disease go on to suffer from long term side effects ranging from deafness, to infertility and learning difficulties as a result of their treatments,” Professor Haber said.

15th February is International Childhood Cancer Day. Gold satin ribbons ($3 each) and gold metal lapel pins ($5 each) will be sold throughout David Jones stores in February. All net proceeds will go to CCIA.